Travel disruptions to Germany, Austria and the Netherlands could occur as Covid cases spike and some European countries reintroduce lockdowns and restrictions.
As we approach winter, holidaymakers will have to stay alert and adjust plans accordingly.
Worrying levels of Covid cases in Europe have brought about further restrictions though no European countries have closed their borders yet.
Austria has announced it will enter a full lockdown from Monday, lasting at least 10 days, in a bid to avoid a "fifth wave" of Covid.
Covid vaccinations in Austria will also become mandatory from February 1.
Several European countries, including Germany and Greece, are imposing tighter controls on the unvaccinated.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported that Covid deaths in Europe went up by 10 per cent in the week to November 7 while other regions saw stable figures or a decline.
Will travellers face disruptions to these three European countries ahead of Christmas? Here's what we know so far.
Germany - Covid and travel
Covid
A fourth wave of the virus is raging in Germany as the country's seven-day average is 41,052 cases - the highest it has ever been during the pandemic.
Germany is set to introduce tighter curbs on people who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19, as cases in the country hit a record high.
Restrictions for unvaccinated people will be introduced in areas where hospital admissions exceed a set threshold.
Under the rules, the unvaccinated will be excluded from certain venues, like sporting events, cultural shows and restaurants.
Its vaccination rate lags behind western Europe at 67.7 per cent. In the UK, 68.5 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated.
Chancellor Angela Merkel said this week: "The current pandemic situation in Germany is dramatic.
"The fourth wave is hitting our country with full force."
Travel
In Germany, the UK is designated as a 'high-incidence area'.
Travellers who are not fully vaccinated and do not meet one of the exemptions may not currently enter Germany from the UK.
Vaccine exemptions include but are not limited to: German citizens or residents, partners or children of German citizens and those with an urgent need to travel.
Several states in Germany, including Bavaria, Saxony, Thuringia, have limited entry to restaurants, bars and clubs to fully vaccinated people or those with proof they recently recovered from Covid.
Munich's Christmas Market was cancelled yesterday, joining the axed Christmas Market in Berlin at Charlottenberg Palace.
Austria - Covid and travel
Covid
Austria has announced it will enter a full lockdown from Monday in a bid to avoid a "fifth wave" of Covid.
Under the measures, Austrians will be told to work from home, non-essential shops will close, and schools will remain open for children who require face-to-face learning.
The Austrian chancellor said the nationwide lockdown will come into force on Monday for a maximum of 20 days and will be evaluated after 10 days.
Covid vaccinations will also become mandatory from 1 February.
Austria is also undergoing a spike in cases of the virus as it reported a seven-day average of 13,000.
The average number of new infections reached a new high, reported Reuters.
About 65 per cent of the population is vaccinated in Austria.
Travel
You can travel to Austria if you provide proof of vaccination, meaning you do not have to self-isolate or register upon entry to Austria.
Austria will accept the UK’s proof of Covid recovery and vaccination record.
However, if you are due to travel there between November 22 and December 2 or even up until 22 December, you must abide by lockdown rules.
That means not leaving your hotel or accommodation for anything other than “essential” reasons, such as buying food.
Restaurants, bars and attractions will be closed and cultural events will be cancelled.
From December 6, two dose vaccinations are valid for nine months after the second dose.
Masks are compulsory on on public transport and in taxis. They are also mandated in public areas like shops, museums and bakeries.
As of November 12, people in Austria will need to show proof of vaccination or past infection to go restaurants, bars or any gathering of more than 25 people - a measure called the "2G" rule.
However, most attractions, restaurants and bars will be closed.
For residents and tourists alike, the 2G rule is also in force for hotels, cinemas, theatres, gyms, Christmas markets and ski lifts.
Previously, negative tests were sufficient proof.
The Netherlands - Covid and travel
Covid
Like Austria, the Netherlands imposed a lockdown, although this one applies to everyone regardless of vaccination status.
The country began a three week lockdown last Friday, November 12 as cases hit a new high and "rising fast", according to Ernst Kuipers, chair of the national acute care network LNAZ.
About 70 per cent of the population is vaccinated.
The lockdown is a bid to curb soaring infections during another wave of Covid that saw 20,168 new cases of the virus recorded today.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said last week: "We must reduce the number of contacts and infections as fast as possible
"Tonight we are bringing a very unpleasant message with very unpleasant and far-reaching measures."
Travel
For three weeks, the nation will be under lockdown from November 12.
Unless you can prove that you have been fully vaccinated, UK residents and citizens arriving from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are not able to enter the Netherlands for non-essential purposes.
Fully vaccinated UK travellers are able to enter if they can provide proof that they have been double-jabbed at least 14 days before travel.
These travellers must also present either a negative PCR test result taken in the 48 hours before departure, or a negative antigen test taken in the 72 hours before departure.
Those who meet these requirements are exempt from quarantining in the Netherlands.
You will have to abide by lockdown rules if travelling from November 12 onwards.
It includes the closure of bars, restaurants and essential shops from 8pm. Non-essential retail and services such as hairdressers now close at 6pm.
Home gatherings are limited to four guests as sports events take place without audiences and home working advised.
America added the country to its highest-risk level list (Level 4) earlier this week.
The best way to keep track of local rule changes and stricter entry requirements is by checking the "coronavirus" sections on the FCDO website’s individual country by country advice.
